Sleepless Jones

23 November 2006 10:45

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Mark Jones says he is unlikely to sleep a wink if Wales achieve their first win over New Zealand since 1953.

The Wales winger is often too full of adrenaline to get much sleep after playing for his country and after being named in Gareth Jenkins's side, Jones doesn't expect a moment's peace on Saturday night if Wales secure a famous victory.

He said: "It hasn't crossed my mind what we would do if we won, but I am fairly confident I wouldn't sleep a wink if we do get a win over the All Blacks."

Confidence is everything in rugby and Jones says Wales must swagger like the all-conquering All Blacks to match the self-confidence which comes from successive Tri-Nations crowns.

Coach Gareth Jenkins has named tough-tackling duo Sonny Parker and Tom Shanklin in the centre to present New Zealand with a rock-solid defence and Jones says the Welsh backs must have confidence in their own attacking ability.

He said: "Professional sport is all about confidence, the All Blacks have it in abundance and we have to match the self-belief they show in everything they do. This Welsh team is capable of taking a major scalp and we are developing a certain confidence, not arrogance.

"We are starting to realise what we could achieve if we realise our potential. New Zealand are the best in the business at attacking, so it's a good yard stick to see where we are at."

Jones describes playing against New Zealand as the 'ultimate challenge' and says while there is no fear of playing the All Blacks, there is no room for error. He said: "You don't have nightmares, but you are very conscious that these players are very capable of making you look very stupid in front of a lot of people.

"You have a split second to react and I am in a position where you are very exposed, you haven't got someone for a few metres either side of you. Your opponent has six or seven metres to run at you and can do a lot of damage in that space.

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